Having video problems with Hypersonic FX7 (Clevo D900k)

Notebook worked well for several months and then all of a sudden the screen would randomly turn red. It was really strange because the only way to fix it was to apply some pressure on the left side of the touchpad. Eventually the problem got worst and I found myself having to apply pressure more often. My first instinct is that maybe something is lose inside of the notebook because I did use this notebook for travel and so it didn't sit at a desk 24/7. The notebook is still under warranty but I'm so hesistant to send it back to hypersonic because they frankly have the worst customer service/technical support personnel I've ever ran across and I've read so many horrible stories of them basically taking months to return the notebook with the problem not fixed.

I'm wondering if one of you has ran into this problem or could shed some light on what might be wrong and if its something I can fix. I have a lot of experience building/fixing computers and I'm very comfortable working inside of electronics. I've been trying to find the service manual for the d900k for weeks and have come up empty. I haven't tried opening it without the manual because of fear or some sort of warning system inside the notebook that would let hypersonic know that I opened it and voiding the warranty. If anyone can supply the manual or step by step instructions on how to get to the video card that would be fantastic as I don't want to go in there blind and raise any flags in the event that it isnt something easy to fix and I have to send it back for repair.

Thanks for any help!

Regards,
Jose Urroz

 

I would not be so hesitant about at least contacting Hypersonic, they can just tell you what to do.

I built my D900K, so I know it very well, inside to out.

I have seen you issue before on a couple of notebooks, some were of the the D900T.

It sounds like the LCD inverter is loose, or the cabling [that runs along the left side of the keyboard and up the left LCD notch.

You can remove the keyboard easily to check if any cables are loose, or improperly placed.
Read this for instructions:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=106320
or
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=1680188&postcount=6

I would strongly recommend to also re-seat the wifi module as well, it has caused this issue before (I know it sounds strange, but I have ran into it before).

 

I have contacted hypersonic and explained the situation and they were not able to give me any feedback and only suggested sending it back for repair. I haven't wanted to do that because like I said, hearing people go months without their notebook and never having the problem resolved is rediculous. I'd rather do something about it myself (I never rely on warranties as they are pretty much useless in my opinion) if its possible. Obviously if its a fried video card or motherboard (which doesn't seem to be the case) then I have no choice. Like I said, I'd like to take a stab at it first without jeopardizing the warranty if possible.


I will try what you suggested later this evening and post back as soon as I have more information. Thank You for your input! I appreciate it.

Regards,
Jose Urroz

 

Its definitely not the videocard, it really sounds like a LCD cable/inverter issue [due to your explanation of the pressure making the display look better.

 

i took the kb off but i cant seem to be able to take off the rest of the top. I can't get to the left of the touchpad still. How do i take off the rest of the top piece?

 

I reseated the wireless card. I also made sure the connectors that are at the top where the lcd and body of the notebook meet were connected firmly. The problem still persists. It seems there must be another connector on the left side of where the touchpad is, underneath the plastic. I was not able to easily see how to remove it. Can ideas?

Regards,
Jose

 

I have a couple of theories that should narrow it:
- the LCD connector is damaged or not secured [either connected to the LCD panel or to the inverter.
- the video connections from the inverter to the mobo/GPU.
- LCD inverter is damaged

I really doubt that its a videocard issue.

Its probably a quick fix if you check those connections, which is probably not that easy to get to. But I have seen to issue on many types of notebooks before.

Lemme see if I am allowed to get you the service manual.

 

i'm assuming its the connections at the GPU because thats the area where I need to apply pressure. The service manual would be helpful. Thanks!


Regards,
Jose

 

Any word on the service manual?

Regards,
Jose

 

I just noticed now that my thread title is incorrect. I meant to say clevo and not sager, model number is correct. I'm assuming you caught on to that and understood me anyway. I appreciate it!

Regards,
Jose

 

I physically own most of the Clevo Service Manuals that date back almost 5-7 years (don't ask how, because I cannot disclosed that info), no PDFs though.

I am trying to get a login to the Clevo FTP to get the PDFs, but I am waiting on my source to help me out.

So when I do get the PDF or an update, I'll PM you because I cant publicly post this kind of info.

 

sounds good. thanks!

 

I'm not sure if I can receive PM's so in any event you can also reach me at [email protected]

Thanks!

 

jjurroz,

I have to apologize to you, I am not at liberty to give you any in-depth tech support for your notebook, I have decided to not publish and/or send any service manuals to anyone, unless if they are a Clevo reseller or vendor.

As for your problem, the service manual would not help you fix that issue. You would have to find the cables going from the LCD panel to the GPU/Mobo to see if there is a loose connection or damaged cable.

If you cannot find out the issue, then I would have to recommend for it to be sent to the vendor for service, just make sure that you detail the issue, your observations, and the possible problems that I have suggested.

-Gophn

 

Yay for not breaking your EULA!

 

the service manual would help me because it would show me how to take the covers me which would lead to the cables. Thanks anyway

 

He's not breaking the EULA because he did not get the manuals legitimately. I think its rather funny that he's not willing to share that (even though he got it through illegal means to begin with) information when there are tons of service manuals out on the internet (granted not the one i want specifically).

Is there any way you can share some information on how to go about taking off the top cover so that I can get to the wires i need to get to?

p.s. Guys, we're not doing anything illegal here by sharing information about how to get apart a piece of equipment.

 

All the notebooks I serviced over the years were fairly simple, only plastic clips and screws for 99% of it. Normally upper chassis and lower chassis can be opened with a jewelers screwdriver (or a very small flat tipped). Generally speaking, you can slide the end under the lip every 2-3" and pry it gently to find the clips. You have to make sure all the screws are removed from the underside that hold the two halves together..

Thats about as far as I'm getting into this though, you really would be better off going to a service center that has someone who can work on notebooks. Even a small local computer service center would be fine. I'm assuming you are out of warranty?

 

its still under warranty but sending a notebook back to hypersonic for repair can take months and I'd rather not send it in if its just some loose connection that I can fix.

Regards,
Jose

 

Be careful with your home fixing then.. if you leave any marks that show you were inside, they can invalidate your warranty should you use it in the future.

 

Actually, I got the service manuals legitimately due to my background working with these kinds of notebooks, and from that, I made some great contacts that continue to give me news and updates.

I do not want to cause warranties to be voided [due to mistakes from self-repairs on proprietary hardware] and to protect my source(s), so I would gladly put up with the scrutiny and criticisms.

 

Hey Jose, no one here has any obligation to share anything with you. This is all voluntary, so criticism offered to someone who is not willing to share something for what they consider to be reasonable reasons is really out of line. It is up to them to decide what they are willing to share.

 

As someone that made a living repairing notebooks for many years, I'm still saying that going with your warranty is the best policy... Working on your machine yourself runs the risk of trashing your warranty for you and anyone you might sell the machine to (assuming some is left). There is also the risk that if you do something wrong, or just accidentally that it won't be fixable because your warranty will be gone. There is also the resale factor of people not wanting "home rigged fixes".. but then again from your tone I'm assuming you wouldn't let the person know.

Sounds like a bad idea that will snowball into something worse honestly. Even with my experience and training I try to stick with my warranty, especially when I'm paying good money for the company to back their product.

Another thought.... most of the people that wouldn't use there warranties over the years had stolen or already fooled around voiding their warranty.. Just a fun observation from working in the capitol city of Oregon, not far from many homeless shelters and unemployment... Ahh.. how many people wanted to sell me stolen gear for enough money for a pack of smokes..

 

If you are willing to pay for those service manual take a look at this site. Google is your friend http://www.notebookservicemanuals.com/clevo.html.
Good luck

 

I am willing to pay, unfortunately they don't have the clevo d900k manual.

 

They probably not, but have you try to search something close enough to use it as a reference?.

By the way you welcome

 

It seems all those manuals are for discontinued models.

 

Thank you for trying!

 

I have another link, here at least you can contact someone on real time if you want. keep in mind that they are in UK.

Looks like this guys sale CLEVO components, they can probably give you a better direction.


http://www.clevoweb.co.uk/

May the Force Be With You

 

Found the problem. The GPU is held in place by 4 screws. Two of the screws had their base broken off the board. Originally they are soldered (bad oem job) onto the board. I'd imagine with all the traveling that I've done with this laptop is what might have cased this to happen (at least I want to hope so, even though it looks like a bad design considering the card is upside down when the laptop is used normally and the weight of it plus vibrations could have caused it to break off). I'd rather not try to re-solder it has its a tight spot in there and there are other contacts around that area. Is there anything you guys can recommend? Maybe some type of strong liquid cement?

Regards,
Jose Urroz